What is the quickest way to evict a person who has squatted on rental property?
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What is the quickest way to evict a person who has squatted on rental property?
I have a rental property in which I hired a handy man to fix. In short he did not fix the property and ran off with the money. I live out-of-state and just recently learned that he has taken up residence in my property for the last 2 months. What is the quickest way to get him out of there? I had the police to go by and he lied about having permission to be there while he fixed up the place. He added further that he is my cousin. This guy is a piece of work.
Asked on September 1, 2010 under Real Estate Law, Indiana
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
The ONLY way to evict someone--squatter, tenant, etc.--is by using the formal eviction process. If you contact your local court (either in person or go to their website), you should be able to find instructions, forms, etc. Basically, you serve a notice on the person to leave; if they don't leave, you'll then file court papers and serve them on the person; there will be court hearing; after the hearing, you'll get an writ or warrant (terms vary) that he must leave; and if he doesn't then leave within the required time frame, law enforcement authorities (usually the sheriff) will evict him. You might also consider suing him to recover the money he took; for any use of your facilities, utilities, etc.; and for any damage he may cause to your property.
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